Mizuno JPX EZ irons

Mizuno earn great respect for their traditional-looking blade irons, but for me they deserve just as much credit for their game improvers, especially the ones that bridge the gap between two worlds so effectively.

Indeed, over the past few seasons they have mastered the art of creating classic-looking irons that boast great levels of forgiveness and distance, making them ideal for everyone from a total beginner to a high single-figure or low-teens player.

Their latest family of game improvement irons takes it a step further. The JPX EZ cast and forged irons feature hot metal faces that bolster ball speed for distance, as well as variable face thickness that increases forgiveness when you miss the middle.

The cast irons are larger than the forged in many respects – though not all – and feature large pocket cavities in the 4 to 7 irons for a high launch and distance. Irons 8 to PW have deep pockets to improve finesse and feel and produce a flat flight. Mizuno say the smaller version of the JPX EZ irons is the most forgiving forged product they’ve created.

Like the cast version, they are home to cavities that get smaller as you work your way through the set, optimising launch, flight and distance as you go. However, there is noticeably less offset and the finish – a classy dark grey that is complemented by orange detailing nicely – is slightly lighter than the cast version.

It is well worth having a fitting to find out which works best for you but we think everyone from beginners to single-figure players are catered for here.

“Mizuno has never made equipment like this,” said the brand's Chuck Couch.

“The
JPX EZ is going to turn you into a player who can take risks – someone
who can take the shot on and not think about the danger. You're going to
hit shots that you've never been able to hit.”

It is well worth
having a fitting to find out which works best for you but we think
everyone from beginners to single-figure players are catered for here.

First impressions from the launch monitor

What
stands out most is how similar these look at address. Even though there
is more bulk behind the face of the cast version and the sole is
thicker, it is hidden extremely well. Similarly, if you were to have a
blind feel test it would be hard to separate them.

That’s not to
say Mizuno’s forging process isn’t effective, I think it speaks more
about how impressive the casting is. Indeed, both clubs feel responsive
and soft. There’s no hint of the ball rocketing off the face
uncontrollably, though distance is great.

TrackMan suggested the
cast version launched the ball higher than the forged, which is
expected, as is the improved distance when you miss the middle and the
lower dispersion. Both irons offer widespread appeal but the forged
particularly excelled for me as I felt I could get the narrower sole
closer to the ball.